Spot checks help dermatologists detect skin cancer sooner
By Jenny Peterson
When it comes to knowing whether a mole should be checked by a dermatologist, experts often point patients to the ‘ABCDEs’ of skin cancer screening.
Understanding the ABCDE Rule for Skin Cancer
“That’s ‘A’ for asymmetry, ‘B’ for border – you want a smooth, even border – ‘C’ is for color, especially for black and dark brown moles, ‘D’ for diameter, if it’s bigger than the size of a pencil eraser and ‘E’ is for evolution or changes,” explains Dr. Megan Hohenberger, a medical dermatologist at Charleston Dermatology, a physician-owned practice.
Dr. Hohenberger adds an additional “D” warning sign for patients to keep in mind.
“I like to say you’re looking for the ‘ugly duckling,’” she said. “If you see a spot you’ve never had before and it doesn’t look like all of its friends, that can be a red flag.”
Now practicing at Charleston Dermatology in the Mount Pleasant and Moncks Corner offices, Dr. Hohenberger, a Bishop England graduate, has returned home after training in Chicago and Philadelphia. Her care philosophy is rooted in education, accessibility and early detection.
“When I’m doing a skin check, I’m also verbally telling patients, ‘Here’s what I’m looking for as far as signs of melanoma,’” she said.
Comprehensive Dermatology Care
Her practice provides comprehensive care, including skin cancer screenings, excisions and treatment for common conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, rashes, insect bites and environmental irritations. Treatment plans and education are tailored to each patient’s comfort level and goals.
“For acne, I’m talking to patients about topicals, creams, gels, all the way up to Accutane and seeing what the patient is comfortable with,” she said. “We’re not going to try something that’s already failed. It’s more important to get a good regimen that patients are comfortable with.”
Even routine skin checks often become an opportunity for education and prevention of other conditions.
“Skin checks can uncover things like flaky scalp or rosacea and if it’s something that bothers them, we can go into that discussion while we’re doing the skin check,” Dr. Hohenberger said.
Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
Prevention is also a cornerstone of her message, especially when it comes to daily sun protection.
“If the UV index is greater than 2 – which Apple watches and smartphones can tell you – wear sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or higher. Reapply about every 90 minutes when you’re outside,” she said.
At Charleston Dermatology, the focus remains simple: empower patients, catch concerns early and provide expert care in a welcoming, approachable setting.
“In some cases, advanced non-surgical options like prescription creams with small amounts of chemotherapy can help target abnormal skin cancer cells and may help patients avoid more invasive procedures,” Dr. Hohenberger said. “A lot of patients say they feel ‘silly’ to check a mole, but we can always fit someone in for a spot check. We’d rather you come in and get reassurance, and then, it turns into just a very happy visit.”
